Communications Specialist

Town of Surf City•Hampstead, NC

3d•Onsite

About The Position

This position performs difficult administrative and professional work managing the Town’s website and social media accounts, overseeing, and coordinating public information programs and publicity activities, creating comprehensive community outreach programs, and communicating Town initiatives, projects, plans, and practices to Surf City residents and stakeholders. Develops strategic guidelines and operational processes for effective, high-impact public communications. Additionally, this position will also serve as a critical emergency management team member, assisting the Emergency Management Director in developing and maintaining various planning packages (Emergency Operations Plan and annexes, Continuity of Operations, etc.), developing and maintaining the department budget, and working on various types of tasks and projects relevant to the emergency management discipline. This position is designated as essential during emergency or disaster situations. Work is performed, reviewed, and approved under the supervision of the Emergency Management Director.

Requirements

Graduation from high school.
Experience in public administration, communications, related fields, or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.
Marketing or social media experience, preferably in the public sector.
NC Driver’s License
NIMS/ICS (At hire or within 3 months)
IS-100
IS-200
IS-700
IS-800
Thorough knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods.
Skill in the use of social media and related software applications.
Ability to operate standard office and computer equipment, including the ability to operate cameras.
Ability to express ideas effectively and professionally both orally and in writing.
Ability to work within strict deadlines and re-prioritize responsibilities as needed.
Ability to perform work during emergencies or disasters upon request and as assigned by management.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, supervisors, elected officials, media, organizations, industry professionals, and the general public.
Basic understanding of the four (4) phases of Emergency Management
All Hazard Operational methodology
Ability to transform strategy into action
Ability to represent the Town professionally and respectfully while interacting with diverse individuals within the workplace and the community.

Nice To Haves

Secondary education is a plus.
NIMS/ICS (Preferred or within 18 months)
G-300
G-400
FEMA PIO Basic Course

Responsibilities

Responsible for content management of the Town’s website and social media accounts, coordinating with individual department heads; produces, writes, edits, and distributes media releases, regular newsletters, and other content as required.
Oversees and coordinates public information programs and publicity activities for the Town; develops and expands communication resources for citizen outreach.
Produces reports, presentations, recruitment messaging, and public service announcements; produces public educational materials about the Town’s operations, programs, and initiatives.
Acts as the Town spokesperson and is the liaison between the Town and the media, coordinating responses to media inquiries and efforts.
Develops, coordinates, and executes internal and external communication strategies; presents recommendations to elected officials, town management, and key personnel.
Coordinates responses to public inquiries and requests.
Supports elected officials, town management, and key personnel with training on media relations, social media best practices, and communication policies and procedures.
Attends public meetings and internal operational meetings to stay abreast of Town activities and initiatives.
Assists as necessary with planning and support for community events and festivals.
Creates calendars for the overall communication strategy of the town systems and coordinates all town social media to provide a consistent, timely release of information on events, activities, improvements, etc.
Works with staff to develop and implement Emergency Communications Policy and Procedures.
Attend conferences and training to stay informed of current public information and communications best practices.
Attends committee meetings as assigned; may be assigned as a participating member.
Develops community relations and partnerships.
Collaborates with other Town departments to complete or assist with projects as needed.
Performs other duties as assigned
Serves as essential on-call Public Information Officer to respond in case of an emergency; staffs the Emergency Operation Center (EOC) upon activation as Public Information Officer.
Assist with developing, revising, and implementing various emergency management-related plans, including the Emergency Operations Plan and Annexes, Hazard Mitigation Plan, and Continuity of Operations Plan, to ensure compliance with county, state, and federal requirements.
Establishes grading metrics and systems to ensure that plan reviews and actions are completed in a timely manner.
Assist in developing, implementing, and evaluating programs, activities, and materials designed to enhance community preparedness and build resilience.
Assist with the annual budget process, grant applications and management, and related tasks.
Serve as an EM representative on working groups and planning committees.